Felix Hernandez on verge of rich deal with M's

Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez, celebrating his a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays last August, reportedly is working with the Mariners on a $175 million, seven-year contract that would make him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

SEATTLE — Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners are working on a $175 million, seven-year contract that would make him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball, according to a source.

Seattle would add $134.5 million of guaranteed money over five years to the contract of the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, whose current agreement calls for him to receive $40.5 million over the next two seasons.

Hernandez's total dollars would top C.C. Sabathia's original $161 million, seven-year contract with the New York Yankees and his $25 million average would surpass Zack Greinke's $24.5 million under his new contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez's new deal would average $26.9 million over five years, which would tie him for the second-highest average in baseball with Josh Hamilton and Ryan Howard behind Alex Rodriguez ($27.5 million).

Hernandez became the first Mariners pitcher to throw a perfect game in a 1-0 win over Tampa Bay last August.

Hernandez is 98-76 with a 3.22 ERA in eight seasons with the Mariners. He won a career-high 19 games in 2009, when he finished second in the Cy Young voting, then won the award a year later, when he went just 13-12 but had a 2.27 ERA and 232 strikeouts.

Seattle had the lowest batting average in the major leagues in each of the last three seasons; Hernandez lost 21 times during that span when giving up two earned runs or fewer.

To make room on the 40-man roster, Seattle designated for assignment reliever Shawn Kelley.

Developments

Indians sign infielder: The Cleveland Indians have signed infielder Mike Aviles to a two-year, $6 million contract with a club option for the 2015 season.

Aviles spent last season as Boston's primary shortstop, batting .250 with 13 homers and 60 RBIs in 136 games.

Raines, Bell lead Canadian class: Although he's still waiting for Cooperstown, Tim Raines can say he's a Hall of Famer.

The former Montreal Expos outfielder was selected for induction Thursday into the Canadian Baseball of Fame. Also included in the class of 2013 are former outfielders George Bell and Rob Ducey as well as former announcer Tom Cheek and longtime minor league owner Nat Bailey.